ESPN IN THE BIDDING FOR LOCAL RIGHTS TO ROCKETS GAMES

October 14, 1997

ESPN has "become the latest bidder" for Rockets home TV
rights, joining Houston's KHTV and Fox Sports Southwest for
the rights to 37 games, according to David Barron of the
HOUSTON CHRONICLE. Rockets Exec VP John Thomas said that
ESPN's interest "did not come as a shock" as there has been
"industry speculation" that it is looking to create a local
sports network. Thomas: "ESPN is participating in this
business now and building a brand-new business, and you can
imagine with the size of the entity the value they could
potentially bring. We need to carefully consider the
possibility." Barron added that ESPN would have "to come to
an agreement with the Rockets and then negotiate with local
cable carriers for a spot to broadcast the games." ESPN's
interest may "play out as incentive" for Fox Sports
Southwest to increase its bid for the team, as the Rockets
have the best rating of the 11 NBA teams that are broadcast
on Fox Sports Net (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 10/10).